Sweet Heat Habanero Bacon Mac & Cheese

Sweet Heat Bacon Mac & Cheese

Elevate a classic comfort food by combining the smoky crunch of thick-cut bacon, a rich, multi-layered cheese sauce, and the signature sweet-and-spicy kick of MJD Apiary's Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 lb (16 oz) Cavatappi, Cellentani, or traditional Elbow Macaroni

• The Honey: 3 tbsp MJD Apiary Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey (plus extra for drizzling)

• The Meat: 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

• The Cheese Blend (Special Cheese):

  • 2 cups freshly grated Sharp White Cheddar

  • 1 cup freshly grated Gruyère (for a nutty, ultra-smooth melt)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (adds exceptional creaminess)

• The Sauce Base:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk (warmed)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• The Topping (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter and a pinch of paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni al dente according to package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

2. Crispy Bacon & Honey Glaze

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and rendered.

2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

3. Toss half of the crispy bacon with 1 tablespoon of the Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey to create a sweet-and-spicy bacon crunch topping. Set aside.

3. Make the Mornay Sauce

1. In the same pot with the reserved bacon grease, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color (making a roux).

3. Slowly pour in the warm milk and heavy cream while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).

4. Melt the Special Cheese Blend

1. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.

2. Gradually stir in the sharp white cheddar and Gruyère a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.

3. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of MJD Apiary Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey for that signature sweet heat backdrop.

5. Combine and Bake

1. Fold the cooked macaroni and the plain portion of the crispy bacon directly into the cheese sauce until every noodle is thoroughly coated.

2. Pour the mixture into your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture (if using) and the honey-glazed bacon bits evenly across the top.

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestion

Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Right before digging in, take a squeeze bottle or spoon and add a light zigzag drizzle of fresh MJD Apiary Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey right over the top for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal!